The lack of a loved one’s presence is often felt most intensely around the festive season, but this can make it the perfect time to pay tribute to all the wonderful times you spent celebrating together over the years. 

The time may be tinged with sadness, but Waters & Sons wanted to explain how you can remember a loved one at Christmas with poignancy, respect and even joy.

Play their favourite Christmas song

If your loved one had a favourite Christmas song, then take a moment to sit together as a family and listen to the words that brought them joy at this time of year. Music connects us together through a feeling that can be captured even more powerfully when it is tethered to memories of your loved one.

Watch their favourite christmas film

Gather your family together and watch a Christmas film that was special to your loved one. If you’re not able to be together, then you could arrange a day to watch the film at the same time, or set up a video chat. This will allow you to share the experience wherever you are. 

Have a glass of their favourite drink

Choose to raise a glass of your loved one’s favourite festive drink, and take it in turns to make a toast about their life. This can be a touching way of dedicating your time and thoughts to them, whilst sharing hopeful memories in their absence.

Attend a memorial service

Many places of worship hold memorial services in December that allow you the time and space to reflect on those you’ve lost. Here, you’ll be able to light a candle in their name and show them that you’re thinking of their life, even though they are no longer with you.

Set their place at the dinner table

If you have only recently lost someone this year, then spending Christmas without them can feel raw. But setting a place at the dinner table as you have your Christmas meal can give you a sense of peace. 

Before you start eating, choose to have a moment of silence amongst your family to honour the years you enjoyed a meal together. 

Be mindful that there may be family members who find it too difficult having a reminder of their absence in the room, and check with everyone attending that this is the way you all wish to pay tribute to their memory. 

Visit a significant place

You could decide to take a few hours out of your day to visit their gravestone, final resting spot or somewhere that held a special place in their heart. Another lovely idea would be to take a family trip to their favourite walking spot and lay a tribute along the route to commemorate their dedication to the area.

Make a dedicated Christmas decoration

This could be a wreath that you hang on your front door, a Christmas tree decoration or anything else that you think would be fitting. 

There is poignancy in crafting something that connects you to their memory. It can make it seem as though they are still present in your home. This might not work for everyone, but it could help you feel as though they’re not truly missing from your festivities.

Share memories

Christmas is a time to be with family, when memories are made and laughter is shared in abundance. When grief takes hold, it can be difficult to remember the laughter without melancholy, but you may find comfort in sharing the special moments with the people around you of the times you smiled, cried and ate together over a Christmas meal.

Your combined love for the person you’ve lost might also create a Christmas atmosphere that feels reminiscent and even more special, knowing you were able to spend so many December’s in the presence of someone you loved so deeply. 

 Experiencing grief is incredibly personal and can be made even tougher to process when it coincides with Christmas. That’s why Waters & Sons offer a 24 hour personalised support service. If you’ve lost someone you love, please feel free to contact us at any time.